Glee Daily News is back to report all the news and views from the NEC showpiece, starting with this special preview bulletin.

Brought to you by Garden Trade News, Glee Daily News will be reporting from the show every day, starting with Saturday's build-up.

Then, on the show days of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, the enewsletter containing all the latest news and pictures will be transmitted to email boxes.

If you have a story, picture or comment to make in Glee Daily News during the three days of the show, contact one of the reporting team:

Mike Wyatt - mike.wyatt@tgcmc.co.uk
Trevor Pfeiffer - trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Glee’s core values of ‘Discover, Network, Grow’ will be apparent with every step throughout the 2013 show. 

"This year we have stripped back the show’s non-exhibitor content, leaving a programme of key, hardworking activities that are designed to complement and enhance visitors' time at the show," says Glee's event manager Matthew Mein.  

"Now more than ever it is essential that retailers and suppliers come together to build bigger, better and stronger business. Glee is designed to facilitate this in the best possible way, and we hope that you will make the most of those refreshed features and product displays that are on offer."

This has been Matthew's first year at Glee’s helm and what a year it has been!  From a snowy start to a gloriously hot summer, the last 12 months have thrown many challenges at the garden retail industry.

"It is great to be able to say that together as an industry we have faced these challenges head on, and now enter into the 38th annual Glee exhibition in a buoyant mood, following an encouraging season for sales and increased consumer confidence," adds Matthew.

"The most important thing for visitors will be the hundreds of exhibitors that pack the halls each year. This year expect to see showcases from major brands and specialist manufacturers from across key industry categories – a unique resource that is not available anywhere else in the UK.  

"You’ll also not want to miss out on the 140 companies that will be making their debut at this year’s show.

"Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to Halls 4 and 5, as Glee is on the move!  From 2014 Glee will have a new home within the NEC, in Halls 17-20. 
This new location will provide a revitalised and refreshed show, providing exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to explore Glee in new ways." 

Appealing to a younger audience and growing a garden centre catering offering are the key topics up for discussion in the panel sessions at the Knowledge Hub at Glee.

Put together and chaired by the HTA in association with Glee, the sessions aim to inspire and debate the latest trends in the garden retail sector.

Panellists include: James Buffoni of Hortipak, David Denny of HTA, Jackie Eades of Briers, Matthew Bent of Bents Garden and Home, Simon Bourne of Perrywood Garden Centre, Salim Shajid of Blueberry Consulting, Jack Sharkey of Vision Commercial Kitchens, Penny Manuel of Soho Coffee, Costas Constantinou, ex Head of Catering at The Garden Centre Group, and Simon O'Shea, of Frosts.

Topics covered in a programme of seminars include making the most of social media (Edwin Meijer of Garden Connect), how to meet consumer expectations (Ray Buckler of Retail DNA) and how to create a catering destination (Abi Perry-Jones – Catering Design Company).

Retail guru John Stanley will return to the Knowledge Hub stage with his unique insight into the changing face of the garden retail market from across the globe, whilst Kevin Waters of The Garden Works will be ‘Keeping Plants in the Picture’ in his seminar talk.

In the Food & Catering Zone, sponsored by Vision Commercial Kitchens, there will be talks on:  Ignoring Social Media is like Ignoring Your Customers by Karen Fewell, Digital Blonde Ltd; Latest eating trends in food retailing and how garden centres can profit from them by Rob Ward, Founder of Food Marketing Network; Feasibility and Concept Design by Andrew Farr, Head of Interior Design, Ward Associates.

See see the full programme details, go to www.gleebirmingham.com/Content/Seminar-Timetables

This year the organisers have reintroduced Glee’s New Product Showcase (Halls 4 & 5).

Two dedicated displays will be found at the heart of both halls, showcasing the newest and most innovative products from around the show.

A panel of industry experts will select winners for the Awards that run alongside the Showcase. With eight categories, including a special ‘retailers’ choice award.
Visitors are sure to find a product that will ignite your interest and help boost your profits in the year to come.

The popular Innovators Zone will be showcasing new-to-market products from inventors and entrepreneurs that will help give you a retail edge.

This year Glee will be welcoming over 130 new companies to this thriving section of the show – making it a ‘must see’ for any retailer wanting to source the ‘next big thing’.

Taylors Bulbs will be showcasing their new Naturalising Scatter Boxes at Glee (stand 5A07).

As the product's name implies, gardeners can simply scatter the bulbs straight from the box and plant where they fall to create an informal, random and natural effect to brighten lawns, verges and wildflower areas.

The varieties have been specifically chosen in themes which will flower year upon year with no effort.

There are four blends of spring flowering bulbs to choose from: Early, Mid & Late flowering mixes (RRP £5.99), and a Heritage Mix of Snowdrops and Bluebells (RRP £9.99). All are bee-friendly.

Also in the range are three blends of summer flowering bulbs for spring 2014: a Summer Blaze Mix of hot colours, a Scented Mix for garden fragrance and a Butterfly Mix (RRP £5.99) that is also bee-friendly.

All blends are presented in Taylors’ attractive and contemporary packaging with full planting instructions.

For more information visit  www.taylors-bulbs.com

Taylors will also be presenting their new stylish and contemporary gift range, which includes 11 lines in fresh and attractive ‘lifestyle’ packaging.

Six brand new gift lines for autumn/Christmas 2013 include an embossed Ceramic Tulip Cube (RRP £8.99), an embossed Narcissus Tete a Tete Ceramic Watering Can (RRP £8.99) and a stylish Ceramic Amaryllis Pot (RRP £12.99), perfect for Christmas.

There are five brand new gift lines for spring 2014 including a tempting Strawberry Indoor Seed Kit (RRP £6.99), a scented Freesia Ribbed Pot (RRP £4.99) and a triple Ceramic Flower Set (RRP £9.99).

Visit www.taylors-bulbs.com for more information.

Whitefurze Ltd, the UK manufacturer of plastic consumer products, is using its stand ((5D28-E29) at Glee to showcase an enhanced garden range with a new, eco-friendly element.

Following an ongoing programme of new product development, Whitefurze will be launching a brand new range of Water Butt Kits available in 100 & 230 litre capacities.

Manufactured in the UK, the new Water Butt Kits are simple and easy to install and come with everything you need to get started including stand and diverter.  The butts can be installed with no drilling required and make using stored water to look after your plants easy. Made from recycled materials, the new water butts are an essential part of any eco-friendly garden.

Also new for 2013 are Watering Cans and Athens Planters. The easy-to-carry cans are available in two designs and three sizes and come complete with detachable sprinkler rose. Practical and attractive, The Athens Range of planters includes five competitively priced lines including square, round and rectangular profiles. 

Visitors to the Whitefurze stand will also see their existing ranges of pots & saucers, planters, propagation lines and clever gardening accessories. Whatever you are looking for, Whitefurze has quality plastic garden products to suit your needs. 

This Glee, the Jeyes team will be revealing their all-new range, which includes a redesign of the original Jeyes Fluid tins, the introduction of new Jeyes Patio Power and Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use plus the re-formulation for Jeyes Freshbin.

Head down to stand 5E20-F21 to see the full range and collect your FREE sample of Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use 500ml (while stocks last). Bulk order discounts for wholesale and garden centres will apply for the duration of the show.

Trusted by generations, Jeyes Fluid is a remarkably versatile outdoor cleaner. Originally patented by John Jeyes in 1877 in Thetford, Norfolk, Jeyes Fluid was granted a Royal Warrant in 1896 and continues to supply the Royal household to this day. Today, the range is bigger than ever, with the latest products and packaging refresh expected to raise awareness and attract new users to the brand, as well as increasing usage and repeat purchase amongst the existing customer base.

New Jeyes Patio Power is a unique and long-lasting pressure-washer compatible cleaner which kills 99.9% of germs and removes dirt, algae and mildew on all hard outdoor surfaces. Available now in a 2L format at an RRP of £9.99, and a 4L format at an RRP of £15.99.

New Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use is a convenient, pre-diluted version of traditional Jeyes Fluid. Available now with an RRP of £1.49 for the 500ml pack, and £9.99 for the 4L pack.

Retailers should contact 01842 757 575 or contact@jeyes.com to order products or for more information.

La Hacienda will be launching a new range of decorative garden giftware at Glee 2013, designed to offer retailers an on-trend giftware selection for customers.

Best known for its selection of chimeneas, La Hacienda has expanded its product portfolio significantly in recent years, with retailers now benefitting from one of the widest selection of firebasket, firebowls, firepits, lanterns, garden oil torches and gel burners.  The addition of the new giftware collection will further cement the company’s dedication to delivering the most comprehensive outdoor heating and accessory range on the market.

The new giftware offering comprises four different categories: The first range of colourful and quirky animals includes Daphne the Duck and Penelope the Pig.  Made from metal with an intended ‘lived in’ look these animals benefit from a primary colour palette, making them an eye-catching and playful addition to the garden or home.

A range of realistic looking wild birds has also been created.  From the Regal Pheasant to the Flapping White Duck and Tall Heron, these unique statues combines contemporary materials with traditional design, perfect for use anywhere in the home or in the garden.

Birds also feature within La Hacienda’s new beaded metal animals range.  Featuring free-standing and wall mounted designs including a snail, butterfly, frog and fish, each animal includes an exotic metalwork body in either a washed or lacquer finish.  Finally each animal is adorned with brightly coloured or glow in the dark beads – the latter being a unique design feature in decorative products of this type.

The final addition is a stunning assortment of rustic ironwork accessories.  From a lucky horseshoe and hose holder to key hooks, decorative brackets and shoe brush, this new range has been designed to tap into the trend of rustic and traditional home and garden decorations that has proven popular in recent years.

La Hacienda MD Simon Goodwin said: “We are extremely excited to be launching this new range of giftware at Glee 2013.  We offered the industry a ‘sneak peek’ recently and found the response to be incredibly positive.  This strong response was not only because the products combine style and quality, but also because this diversification further strengthens our position as a one-stop-shop for the best in garden accessories – something that our customers tell us is incredibly important to them.”

In addition to launching its new giftware offering, La Hacienda will also be showcasing new additions to its existing product portfolio.  New designs of chimeneas, firepits, gel burners and garden mirrors will also be on display. 

Electric garden heating solutions, including the newly integrated Heatmaster® brand, will also be available to view.  A growing profit opportunity for both La Hacienda and its customers, this advanced range will be showcased alongside proven POS and merchandising solutions.

Simon added: “I strongly believe that we have one of the most comprehensive offerings on the market, and feel that Glee is the right place for us to showcase this to the market.  We look forward to meeting with the garden retail industry once the doors open in September – it’s set to be a great show!”

Find out more: For further information about La Hacienda’s outdoor heating ranges visit www.lahacienda.co.uk or call 01285 762060.

• Dents Garden Centre (Gothic arch canopy)
• Dunbar Garden Centre
• Dobbies (both King's Lynn and Inverness)
• Northwood Garden Centre

National Structures are also currently undertaking a retail canopy area project at Smiths Nurseries (Bagington) Ltd and also working on a project of replacing roof areas and  refurbishing existing buildings at Garson’s Farm Esher.

And the company have been awarded the contract to supply the canopies for the Galgorm Castle Garden Centre project in Northern Ireland.

National Structures are on stand 5H36. For more information visit www.nationalstructures.co.uk



Pictured above: Dents Garden Centre. Below: selection of pictures from Dunbar Garden Centre.

Seed specialist, Suttons Seeds, will be launching their new Wildlife Sanctuary Seed Collection at this year’s GLEE.

This new collection has been designed in conjunction with the BBKA (British Beekeepers Association) to provide nectar and pollen for the honey bee and other pollinators all-year-round.

The collection is made up of 38 flower, veg and herb varieties with each packet clearly detailing whether the variety is good for nectar or pollen.

Did you know?... One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination!

Keeping our pollinators strong and healthy enables them to pollinate our crops so we can enjoy delicious fruit, veg, salads and even chocolate! However, it’s not just the food we eat that is important, pollination helps to feed many other animals and birds in the food chain plus, it is a vital part of creating the diversity in the environment that we all enjoy.

In a recent survey, Suttons found that 44% of gardeners were growing plants to encourage wildlife in their gardens.

Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary meets the consumer desire for growing varieties that will not only attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to their gardens, but will also put food on the table and brighten their homes.

The collection has been designed to meet a real consumer concern, create interest and maximise profits plus, the 68cm display will only take up a small amount of room in store! The display for Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary is eye-catching and playful with attractive point of sale material that even includes your very own ‘Betty Bee’ wobbler.

While Suttons is donating to the Charity directly, inside each packet the consumer also has the opportunity to ‘Adopt a beehive’ or become a ‘Friend of the honeybee’. All money raised through these channels is ploughed back into the BBKA to support essential scientific research to prevent the decline of the honey bee.

Other new products to look out for include:

Rapid Green II, Self-Repairing Lawn Seed
Suttons new Self-Repairing Lawn Seed gives up to 30% more cover than conventional lawn seed! It gives you a lush, thick, even lawn that has a high tolerance to drought and even the most enthusiastic children and pets –with no more patch repairs!

James Wong Plants
New 5 litre Homegrown Revolution plant range coming soon!

Microgreens
Grow your own ‘Indoor Allotment’ all-year-round with the latest culinary ‘must-have’ that’s packed full of nutrients and vitamins.

Floral Fusions Flower Mixes
Sensational selection of flower mixes that are easy to sow and will quickly add colour to any garden.

For more information on Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary Seed Collection, or if you would like to stock the collection, visit the Suttons Seeds team at GLEE, Hall 5 Stand 5E 22.  www.suttons.com

Forest Garden has confirmed its attendance at Glee, where the company has decided to relocate its stand into the ‘heart of the industry’ within Hall 5.

Breaking from its traditional Hall 4 presence, the decision to move into Hall 5 (stand E40) was a simple one, as Forest’s head of marketing, Vicky Nuttall explains.  

She said: “Our product portfolio has diversified significantly in that we now offer a wide range of decorative garden products, breaking us out of the traditional ‘landscaping’ mould. We felt that Glee’s Hall 5 is much more representative of where we are as a business and also of our offering for garden retailers."

Forest will also be using Glee to showcase a range of new retail solutions. The introduction of a smarter pricing policy with competitive pricing solutions, combined with a new and improved delivery service, will help drive growth for customers. New retail solutions, including a selection of new merchandising and display solutions will also be on display.

Forest’s Glee 2013 product selection will also be more diverse than ever before. Core lines will be complemented by a range of inspirational new products for the 2014 season. 

Provider of gardening sundries and wild bird care products, Gardman is introducing the full range of sales initiatives that sit within the retail partnership strategy, ‘Trust us to Deliver’, at Glee.

The five sales initiatives are:

1. ShaRRPer Pricing: lower RRPs will drive the sales volume
2. Stonger Off£rs: a greater deal and frequency of offers will drive footfall and sales 
3. SMA*RTER Merchandising:  innovative merchandising solutions will maximise the sales per square metre
4. New Product !deas: Innovation in new product development will drive sales and footfall
5. Category Solutions: a complete category management solution will give retailers the expertise to win sales

“While garden centres may have seen far better trading this season compared to last year there’s no room for complacency and capitalising on every opportunity for a sale is important,” says Duncan Ross, Director of Garden Centre Sales at Gardman. 

“Giving shoppers the products they want at compelling prices is the key and we are working closely with retailers to help them do exactly this.  From SMA*RTER Merchandising to Category Solutions and Stronger Off£rs our sales initiatives give garden centres the tools they need to develop compelling offers for consumers.

“Retailers who want to find out more should visit us at Glee.  They will be able to see the sales initiatives brought to life across our wild bird care, lighting, core gardening and hanging garden ranges.

"The ShaRRPer Pricing initiative has already been launched for our bird care range; the price of 53 key bird care products has been reduced, 29 new sales boosters are being introduced and the minimum volume has been cut on 42 existing sales boosters."

At Glee the lighting range will embody Category Solutions and New Product !deas initiatives while hanging garden will bring SMA*RTER Merchandising to life.  The Spring Deals campaign will show off Stronger Off£rs.

To book a Showroom visit contact the Gardman agents or sales team on 01406 372237 or email orders@gardman.co.uk. 

Imagine a product that delivers superb growing results with minimum time or effort. Well, thanks to Westland’s pioneering know-how, the concept will soon be a reality.

Planting Magic is the latest innovation to be introduced to the hugely successful Gro-Sure range.

With its unique mix of ingredients, the easy to use planting mix requires no measuring. Simply add when planting any plant, vegetable, tree or shrub, before lightly mixing it into the soil and adding water to activate.

Featuring a patented blend of ingredients specifically designed to deliver spectacular results, consumers can have absolute peace of mind their plants are benefiting from the best growing environment possible.

See all the latest Westland products on stand 5B04-C01. Visit www.gardenhealth.com for more information.

DLF Trifolium has the most comprehensive lawn seed range on the market, embracing the Johnsons and Turfline brands. The latter, launched last year, includes a number of specialist mixtures, including the unique Eco Lawn containing micro-clovers that reduce the need for watering and fertiliser.

As the world’s biggest supplier of grass seed across the domestic, sport, amenity and forage markets, they are dedicated to combining science and seeds to deliver market-leading solutions.

DLF’s professional heritage means domestic consumers benefit from a range developed from lawn seed bred for some of the world’s most demanding applications – they supply more than 80% of the Premier League and their seed is used at numerous leading tennis and golf venues.

Retailers can access any professional grass mix their customers might require and have it delivered as a special order – for example, to sow a tennis court or a paddock. DLF Trifolium spend an estimated £8 million a year on R&D to help market share and future growth.

DLF Trifolium can be found on stand 5C15. Visit www.dlf.co.uk for more details.

Every year there are products launched at Glee that become bestsellers, but how do you know just how big a bestseller they become and how much in-store promotion you should give them?

GTN Bestsellers is the answer. Every week Top 50 Bestsellers charts are published, compiled from garden centre Epos data, giving the best and most up to date garden centre trading information on the market.

If you’d have been a subscriber this year you’ll have known that Roundup Weedkiller Gel, launched at Glee 2011, was the No.1 best selling weed killer product for 25 weeks this year and topped the garden products chart for one week in May. And that Vitax Slug Gone, launched at Glee 2012, was the GTN Bestsellers New Product of the Year, featuring in the Top 50 for 12 weeks, reaching a highest position of No12.

Plus, you’ll have benefitted from the GTN Bestsellers Tip of the week – a gem of a sales idea every week derived from 5 years of GTN Bestsellers charts.

So what are you waiting for? You need to buy a subscription to GTN Bestsellers right now. For just £145.00, you get a printed GTN Bestsellers chart posted to you each week, full access to the GTN Bestsellers charts and the GTN Archive on-line and your own copy of Garden Trade News in the post each issue.

And there’s more!! 

If you take out a GTN Bestsellers subscription before Glee, we’ll send you, as a bonus, the GTN Bestsellers Charts for the critical sales periods through June July and August this year when, according to our gathered Epos data, sales of garden products were up year on year by 10.3%.

And there’s even more!!!

Buying a subscription now means you’ll get every issue with the GTN Bestsellers Christmas charts too. It’s an invaluable chart to follow as your Christmas sales build, allowing you to spot new trends, make changes to your promotions and POS.  And, be one more step ahead of the competition when it comes to your Christmas buying for 2014.

So, what are you waiting for?  To get your subscription to GTN Bestsellers up and running, simply subscribe online here

or contact us by phone on 01733 775700 or by e-mail: karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

GTN Bestsellers – Garden Centre Bestsellers, Guaranteed!

Gardening gloves and footwear supplier Briers has teamed up with HemingwayDesign, the award-winning design team led by Wayne Hemingway MBE and Gerardine Hemingway MBE, to create four new ranges of gardening wellies, gloves and rainmacs.

HemingwayDesign products reflect growing consumer demand for diversity of choice and originality of design.

Although prints on wellies are nothing new, Briers wanted to expand the range of options in the gardening sector while producing something that had never been seen before.

The company is confident that the designs will appeal to all age groups, from the elderly to those venturing into gardening for the first time.

Briers are on stand 5C40-D41. Further details can be found by visiting www.briersltd.co.uk

Premier Decorations have reached an exclusive agreement to distribute the market-leading Barbecook range of gas and charcoal barbecues in the UK and Ireland.

The range has been established in mainland Europe for over 25 years and has set standards in assembly, ease of use, quality and maintenance.

The charcoal barbecues use the patented Quickstart lighting system, which means you can light the barbecue using just three sheets of newspaper with no assistance from lighter fluids, gels or cubes. They are also available in a number of colours and varying styles. 

All Barbecook gas barbecues pride themselves on fast heat distribution from powerful 5kw burners, reliable electronic ignition and the unique Aromaz flavour trays that slide underneath the grill to help give food any number of unmistakeable flavours.

Premier Decorations are on stand: 5J04-L03. Visit www.premierdec.com

Vitax is building on its success of 2013 by taking a prime position at Glee to showcase its new range of products.

The new 135 sq m state-of-the-art stand is positioned at the front of Hall 5.  Increasing its floor space from 60 sq m, the stand will display its core brands alongside its new products for 2014.

Visitors to Glee will have access to Vitax’s knowledgeable staff as well as viewing the new designs and products before they hit the shelves.

Around 20 new products will be launched across a number of product lines including the growing media range and Nippon. The growing media range has gone from strength-to-strength since it was unveiled at last year’s show with over five new products added to this line alone.  Q4 will see a new premium range added to its existing fertiliser range.

Over the past 12 months, Vitax has been working with packaging experts and designers to ensure its products remain contemporary and fresh.  New packaging has been approved for many existing lines.

The market-leader in pest deterrent for slugs and snails has received unprecedented success in 2013.  Taking centre stage on Vitax’s stand at this year’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace, it has also received Soil Accreditation, secured the coveted British Wool logo, is part of the Campaign for Wool and has won a GIMA award.  A new exhibition area has been created on the stand to educate visitors about Slug Gone and its capabilities.

You can Vitax on stand 5D02. For more information visit www.vitax.co.uk

Maryanne Stokes, former sales and marketing manager of Vital Earth and Growise, is using Glee to launch her range of PR, marketing, sales and training services to retailers and growers in the garden sector as well as to manufacturers and distributors. 

“Having been talking to a number of retail and commercial grower businesses recently, I’ve realised that their challenges and opportunities are very similar albeit sometimes on a different or more regional scale,” Maz explains. 

“Because our packages are easily adaptable from taster level to something much more strategic, we’re perfectly placed to support any business in the garden industry.  And what better and more exciting place to bring that service to the market than Glee!”

The company offers monthly fixed price sales support, marketing and training packages suitable for any size of operation from start up to blue chip. 

Thanks to maximum flexibility and a network of skilled service providers who know the garden trade intimately, the company can offer a selection of both planned and emergency resources ranging from marketing and PR campaigns and design and production to recruitment, staff training, product sourcing and sickness, holiday and parental leave cover – all on a straightforward hourly rate.

Claims Maz: “Our greatest strength is an ability to work with speed and precision, delivering solutions, adding value and stretching budgets.”  "I look forward to seeing you at stand 5G45."

Maryanne Stokes Limited is based in Somerset just off the A303 in between Wincanton and Yeovil, with associate offices north and south of Birmingham.  Maz can be contacted on by phone or text on 07747 676 833 / 01963 441 433 or email maz@maryannestokes.co.uk.

Staff from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) will have a stand (5G47)at Glee where existing members and those interested in finding out more can drop by.

Peter Burks, Chairman of the GCA, explained: “Glee is the largest horticultural industry exhibition and therefore many of our members will be attending. Not only is it a great opportunity for garden centre staff to find out the latest horticultural news and see the newest products on offer, it is also a chance to catch up with other GCA members.

“We are also looking forward to chatting to anyone who would like to find out more about the association and will have an information pack available for garden centres and suppliers that are interested in membership.

“I will be attending and I look forward to catching up with as many members as possible during the course of the event.”

For more information, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociationorfollow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.

Lawnmower and garden products supplier SANLI (UK) Ltd is showcasing its new ‘shop-in-shop’ concept for garden centres at Glee.

The company has devised special self-contained units which slot neatly into a display area – allowing garden centres to easily and effortlessly promote the Sanli range.

Customers can browse information on a touch screen and check out the equipment demo models surrounding the screen on an attractive ‘striped lawn area’.

After ordering, delivery is made free next day, direct to the customer.

“Few garden centres have traditionally offered petrol products such as lawnmowers, partly because these are technical products requiring specialised sales people and also the after-sales service that is required in the form of maintenance, servicing and repair,” said Sanli (UK) Ltd managing director Simon Del-Nevo. 

“The Sanli shop-in-shop, together with the after-sales care Sanli Helpline, overcomes these challenges – giving garden centres a convenient way in which to extend their range to encompass petrol lawnmowers and other garden equipment and create new sales.”

Sanli, which supplies a range of quality, good value, petrol lawnmowers and products, including brush cutters, chainsaws, hedge cutters, blowers and generators, has devised eye-catching 2m by 3m display units for garden centres which require just power and WiFi.

“The shop-in-shops require no garden centre staff involvement, as information is available from the touch screen and from the demo models surrounding the screen on the 'striped lawn area’,” said Simon Del-Nevo. “Delivery is made by Sanli, next day, free to customer, and all after-care is via the Sanli helpline and includes everything from telephone advice to 'back to base' for warranty work.”

Visit the Sanli (UK) Ltd stand (5D38) for more information about the new shop-in-shops. Its website www.sanli.co.uk has been designed to act as a resource for Sanli lawnmower owners.

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA), who brought the Innovators Zone concept to Glee, have launched a new initiative to connect buyers and sellers.

Buyer Connect, to be trialled at Glee, enables exhibitors to book a 10-minute ‘speed dating’ slot with one of a range of buyers. It gives suppliers the opportunity to introduce themselves, their company and product and explore the buyer’s level of interest. Suppliers will then follow up after the show.

GIMA President Vicky Nuttall says it can be difficult, especially for smaller companies, to get a foot in the door of the bigger retailers and groups. “This is just the sort of support as an association we seek to give our members, so we are really pleased to be getting this off the ground,” she said.  “We are extremely grateful to the influential buyers who recognise the potential of Buyer Connect and are offering up their time to meet potential new suppliers to their businesses.”

Buyers already committed to include: Steve Guy (Dobbies), Neil Fishlock (Decco), David Yardley and Allan Wilson (Klondyke Group). Gerrard Smith  (Garden Centre On Line), Simon Moore (Wilkinson Stores), Richard Pennell (Future Marketing Group), Sandy Parker (Notcutts Garden Centres), Michelle de Lavis-Travis (Choice Marketing) and David Gillespie (Homebase).

Exhibitors seeking an appointment need to register their interest with GIMA by email. “Demand is expected to be high” said director Neil Gow to whom requests for an appointment should be addressed (neilgow@gima.org.uk).

The event which will take place on Tuesday 17 September in Hall 5, between 10am and 12 noon. “Start and finish times of each 10-minute meeting will be strictly controlled and suppliers need to prepare well and do their homework to make the most of this fantastic opportunity,” said Gow.

Matthew Mein, Event Manager for Glee said: “We just love this sort of support from GIMA and know how successful the Innovators Zone has become. In fact, it is now copied at other trade shows across the world. Buyers come to Glee to find new product and new suppliers so this has to be a hit with both show visitors and exhibitors.

“We are convinced Buyer Connect will become an annual event at Glee too. Feeling the pulse at other trade shows this week, the garden industry is in positive mood with the recent better weather and people are looking forward to the garden season ahead. What better place to kick that season off than at Glee next week.”

In the Glee Official Catalogue there is a correction to the listing under CXC (HC) Holdings Ltd (stand) 4C22. The company name should be Anping County Yexiang Hardware Wiremesh Products Co Ltd.

The correct contact details are as follows:
Wire Mesh Industrial Park, Anping County, Hebei Province, China.
Tel: 86-318-7026399
E-mail: info@yexiangwiremesh.com

Since going on sale in Spring 2012, Roundup Gel has become a best seller for garden retailers.

The latest GfK figures show that it is now the fastest selling weedkiller pack in the UK, followed closely by Roundup Fast Action Ready to Use 1L.

And, this is not the only success story for Roundup - the same set of data shows that six of the top 10 best selling products, by value, are from the Roundup family.

Also, after only one year, RoundUp Gel has become the bestselling weedkiller, outselling all others every week since the end of March 2013, according to the GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Epos data.

It's very easy to assume we know why buyers like Gel so much, but it's of vital importance to really understand what they see as the main benefits.

With this in mind, Roundup commissioned a consumer research project to find out what buyers of Roundup Gel really thought.

You can find the full range of Roundup products on the Scotts Miracle-Gro stand (5C25). Visit www.roundup-garden.com for more details.

This year the Tidal brand is returning to Glee exclusively through Deco-Pak.

The exquisite range of stainless steel and natural stone water features will wash you away in amazement.

The range is complimented with a unique merchandise display unit that can be manoeuvred easily into situ and presents the features in a way to inspire sales. 

You can join Deco-Pak on stand 4K10 for a splash of bubbly on Sunday the 15^th September at 11am at a champagne reception, where they will be introducing their new range of products.

You can also visit the website www.deco-pak.co.uk for further information. 

Town & Country has designed what it believes is the most exciting wellington boot to be made available to the garden retail sector, and is anticipating that it will be a clear winner not just with style-conscious gardeners, but with all fashion loving consumers.

The new Chameleon Crystal Clear Wellingtons not only act as sturdy, quality, waterproof protectors, but inject some fun and fashion into outdoor footwear by allowing wearers to personalise their boots to match their outfit, mood or personality, with their choice of socks.

A selection of 12 colourful sock designs will also be available, with a pair offered free with each pair of boots sold.

The boots will be available in adults and children’s sizes, with special introductory prices of £24.99 and £12.99 respectively.

See all the latest product from Town & Country on their stand 5C04/D01. Visit www.townandco.com for more information.

Storm Black by Bosmere is a range of contemporary urban chic covers for outdoor furniture and barbeques. The range has already received an enthusiastic response from trade buyers.

To ensure that consumers select the correct cover for their particular needs, product usage is clearly identified on the front of the full-colour packaging. High quality ‘Range Centre’ merchandising units with slat wall backs, hooks and header panels are available to suit all types of outlet, from a single stand through to linked multiple units.

Bosmere’s sales and marketing director, Steve Millington, said: “Bosmere have an enviable reputation for the quality and durability of their furniture covers. For the 2014 season not only will our covers perform well, their urban chic design will also look stylish and complement the current trends in outdoor leisure.”

Bosmere are on stand 5A20-B21. For more information visit www.bosmere.com

Stax Trade Centres will be exhibiting their own brand range of quality Ambassador tools, Glenwear workwear and a selection of their SupaGarden products at Glee...

The company have been supplying garden centres and other related outlets with a comprehensive range of gardening products from all the top brands for over 32 years.

Recently their investment in this sector has resulted in a significant increase in market share.

Offering nationwide delivery of chemicals, fertilisers, growing media, pest & weed control, tools, watering, bird care, garden furniture and clothing - as well as seasonal ranges of heating, cooling and Christmas products, Stax provides a complete solution for retailers.

Stax currently have a number of offers available to garden centres with anything up to 73% margins on some products.

Visit Stax on stand 5E31.

In the two years since the redevelopment of Burgon & Ball stainless tools and their subsequent endorsement by the Royal Horticultural Society, sales performance has risen to exceed all targets.

Demand from end users is driving sales, backed by strong new POS and retailer displays. The powerful point of sale can easily be incorporated with retailers’ own fixtures and fittings to retain a corporate look if required, whilst discreetly promoting the prestigious RHS endorsement and the Burgon & Ball brand.

The combination of the two brands appears to be a particularly powerful one and far from trading down in tough economic times, it seems consumers are  making a considered decision to trade up to the best they can afford.

See the latest Burgon & Ball products on stand 5A02-B03A, 5A03. For more details visit www.burgonandball.com

SunTime, part of the Trans-Continental Group, is a leading supplier of garden & indoor furniture products, having developed a deserved reputation for the highest standards of quality and service.

The company's production developments using environmentally responsible techniques and materials from sustainable sources and competitive pricing coupled with a continued investment in product design have resulted SunTime growing to its current UK leading position.

The SunTime, SnowTime & HomeTime brands offer a distinctive all-season product and service. Having the perfect blend of must-have essentials, unique and exclusive licensed products and competitive prices, we can also offer a range of purchase options to suit your requirements.

See the latest SunTime products on stand 5J03. Visit www.transcon.co.uk for further information.

Marketing used to be simple for garden retailers: put an advert in the local, newspaper and the customers would rush to your door.

Those days are long gone and now we have to use traditional marketing to attract the more traditional consumer online marketing to attract the new consumer.

Many garden centres are struggling to adapt these new marketing channels resulting in less customers and decreasing margins and marketshare. It’s time to act!

New gardeners communicate in different ways to previous generations. They rarely read a newspaper, but do get engaged with businesses and their friends via online techniques. The result is that over the last few years we have seen a plethora of new marketing tools at our disposal and the challenge is where and how do you start.

Should you be “liking” ,”tweeting” or sending a text over a smartphone? All techniques that did not exist as marketing tools five years ago. Many garden centre owners a have found it difficult to keep up with the new marketing techniques.

To help garden centre retails get up to speed, John Stanley, John Stanley Associates and Edwin Meijer of Garden Connect have joined forces to provide a E-Book on the basic steps you need to take to develop an online marketing strategy.

They have not written the infinitive guide to online marketing, but a booklet they highlights the ten most effective communicating tools that can be used with the consumer when developing an online consumer engagement strategy. The booklet provides valuable hints and tips on how to develop and improve your marketing strategy.

• An Apple iPad 2
• The entire range of Grumpy Gardener products
• A bottle of Champagne.